If your bite feels off or your child’s teeth don’t align correctly, it could be a crossbite – a common but correctable malocclusion with expert orthodontic care. The good news is that bite correction is completely treatable with the right approach.
At Giardina Orthodontics in Harrisonburg, Dr. Julia Giardina has helped hundreds of local families correct crossbites and achieve healthy, confident smiles. As a Board-Certified Orthodontist, she specializes in identifying and treating jaw alignment problems before they cause bigger issues down the road.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
Wondering if you or your child has a crossbite? This comprehensive guide covers everything Harrisonburg families need to know about crossbite treatment, including:
- ✅ How to identify crossbite symptoms in children and adults
- ✅ What causes crossbites to develop
- ✅ Treatment options from traditional braces to Invisalign
- ✅ Why early treatment prevents serious complications
- ✅ What to expect during the treatment process
- ✅ Cost and payment options to fit your budget
Let’s dive in and help you understand your options for achieving a healthy, properly aligned bite.
What is a Crossbite?
A crossbite happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly when you close your mouth. Instead of your upper teeth sitting slightly outside your lower teeth (like they should), some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
Think of it like this: when you bite down, your teeth should fit together like puzzle pieces. With a crossbite, some of those pieces are in the wrong spots.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Understanding why crossbites develop can help parents catch them early. The most common causes include:
Genetics Sometimes crossbites simply run in families. If you had bite problems, your child might be more likely to develop them too.
Delayed Baby Tooth Loss When baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule, permanent teeth can erupt in the wrong position, creating a crossbite.
Childhood Habits Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond age 3, or tongue thrusting can push teeth out of proper alignment.
Jaw Development Issues Sometimes the upper jaw doesn’t develop wide enough, causing the upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth.
Mouth Breathing Chronic mouth breathing (often due to allergies or enlarged tonsils) can affect jaw development and lead to crossbites.
The good news? Most of these causes can be addressed with early intervention, which is why we recommend orthodontic evaluations by age 7.
Types of Crossbites We Treat
Anterior Crossbite (Front Teeth)
When your front upper teeth sit behind your lower front teeth. This can make it look like you have an underbite, even when the problem is just with a few teeth.
Posterior Crossbite (Back Teeth)
When your upper back teeth sit inside your lower back teeth on one or both sides. This is actually pretty common in kids and often needs early treatment.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral
- Unilateral: Affects just one side of your mouth
- Bilateral: Affects both sides
Signs Your Child (or You) Might Have a Crossbite
Wondering if a crossbite is causing problems? Here are the telltale signs we see in our Harrisonburg office:
Worried About Your Child’s Bite?
A quick exam can reveal jaw alignment issues before they cause long-term problems. Many Harrisonburg parents are surprised to learn their child’s “minor” bite issue could lead to serious complications if left untreated.
In Children:
- Teeth don’t line up properly when biting down
- Jaw shifts to one side when closing their mouth
- Early loss of baby teeth on one side
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Speech difficulties or lisping
- Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
Many of these symptoms are also signs that your child might benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
In Adults:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Self-consciousness about their smile
- Gum recession on certain teeth
If you’re wondering if you need braces, these crossbite symptoms are often a clear indicator that orthodontic treatment could help.
Why It’s Critical to Address a Crossbite Early
Here’s the thing about crossbites – they don’t fix themselves. In fact, they usually get worse over time.
For Growing Children: A crossbite can actually change how your child’s jaw grows. If the lower jaw keeps shifting to one side to avoid the crossbite, it can cause permanent facial asymmetry. That’s why early orthodontic care for bite issues is so important.
For Teens and Adults: Even if jaw growth is complete, crossbites can cause serious problems:
- Excessive tooth wear leading to chips and cracks
- Gum disease from uneven pressure
- TMJ (jaw joint) problems
- Chronic headaches and neck pain
The earlier we catch and treat a crossbite, the easier and faster the treatment typically is.
Crossbite Treatment Options at Giardina Orthodontics
Every crossbite is different, which is why Dr. Giardina creates personalized malocclusion treatment plans for each patient. Here’s how we help Harrisonburg patients correct crossbites, step by step:
For Children (Early Treatment)
Palatal Expanders
For narrow upper jaws causing posterior crossbites, we often use palatal expanders. These gentle appliances gradually widen the upper jaw, creating proper space for teeth to align correctly.
The best part? Kids adapt quickly, and treatment is usually completed in just a few months.
Partial Braces
Sometimes we’ll use braces on just the front teeth to correct an anterior crossbite. This targeted approach can prevent bigger problems later.
For Teens and Adults
Traditional Braces
Our modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever. They’re highly effective for correcting all types of crossbites.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Want a more subtle option? Clear braces work just as effectively as metal braces but blend in with your natural tooth color.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
For many crossbite cases, Invisalign for adults can effectively correct the bite while remaining virtually invisible. Perfect for Harrisonburg professionals who want discreet treatment.
Invisalign works especially well for:
- Mild to moderate crossbites
- Single tooth crossbites
- Cases that don’t require major jaw movement
For more complex crossbites, we might recommend Invisalign with special attachments or rubber bands to achieve the precise movements needed.
Surgical Options for Severe Cases
In rare cases where the jaw size discrepancy is severe, especially in adults whose jaws have finished growing, we might recommend a combined orthodontic-surgical approach. Dr. Giardina works closely with skilled oral surgeons when this level of treatment is needed.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation During your free consultation, Dr. Giardina will examine your bite, take digital X-rays, and discuss your concerns. We use the latest technology to create a complete picture of your orthodontic needs.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan Based on your specific type of crossbite, age, and lifestyle, we’ll recommend the best treatment approach. We’ll also discuss timeline and costs upfront – no surprises.
Step 3: Active Treatment Whether you choose braces, aligners, or other appliances, we’ll monitor your progress closely. Most crossbite treatments take 12-24 months, but we’ll give you a personalized timeline.
Step 4: Retention & Aftercare After active treatment, you’ll wear retainers to keep your new bite stable. This is crucial for maintaining your results long-term. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule regular retainer checkups to ensure your crossbite correction lasts a lifetime.
Treatment Timeline & What to Expect
How Long Does Crossbite Treatment Take?
- Early treatment (ages 7-10): 6-12 months with expanders or partial braces
- Comprehensive treatment (teens/adults): 12-24 months depending on complexity
- Invisalign cases: Often 12-18 months for mild to moderate crossbites
Appointment Frequency:
- Initial phase: Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments
- Monitoring visits: Every 6-8 weeks
- Emergency appointments available for urgent issues
Factors That Affect Timeline:
- Severity of crossbite
- Age when treatment begins
- Patient compliance with instructions
- Type of treatment chosen
When to Seek Immediate Crossbite Treatment
Urgent Signs in Children:
- Severe jaw shifting when biting
- Pain when chewing
- Speech problems getting worse
- Early loss of multiple baby teeth
Adult Warning Signs:
- Chronic jaw pain or clicking
- Rapid tooth wear or chipping
- Gum recession around crossbite teeth
- Worsening bite problems
Don’t wait if you notice these symptoms – early intervention prevents more complex treatment later.
Why Harrisonburg Families Choose Dr. Giardina for Crossbite Treatment
Board-Certified Expertise – Dr. Giardina is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics – a credential held by less than 40% of orthodontists. This means she’s proven her expertise in treating complex cases like crossbites.
Specialized Training – Her research background in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea means she understands how bite problems affect breathing and sleep – especially important for crossbite patients.
Family-Friendly Approach – From our therapy dog Jerry to our kid-friendly environment, we make crossbite treatment stress-free for the whole family.
Same-Day Braces Available – Need to get started quickly? We offer same-day braces so you can begin treatment immediately.
Real Results from Harrisonburg Patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbite Treatment
What is the best treatment for crossbite?
The best malocclusion treatment depends on your age, the type of crossbite, and its severity. For children, palatal expanders often work wonderfully for posterior crossbites. For teens and adults, traditional braces (traditional or clear) are typically most effective for comprehensive bite correction. Invisalign can work great for mild to moderate cases. As your children’s orthodontist in Harrisonburg, Dr. Giardina will recommend the best option during your consultation based on your specific situation.
How to fix a crossbite as an adult?
Adults have several excellent options for crossbite correction. Traditional braces remain the gold standard for complex cases, while Invisalign works well for mild to moderate crossbites. Clear ceramic braces offer a more aesthetic option, and InBrace provides completely hidden treatment. For severe skeletal crossbites, a combined orthodontic-surgical approach might be recommended.
Is it worth fixing a crossbite?
Absolutely! Fixing a crossbite prevents serious long-term problems like uneven tooth wear, gum recession, jaw pain, and TMJ issues. Many patients also report improved confidence and better chewing function. The investment in treatment now can save you from costly dental problems and discomfort later.
Why did I develop a crossbite?
Crossbites develop from various factors including genetics (they often run in families), delayed baby tooth loss, childhood habits like thumb sucking, abnormal jaw development, or chronic mouth breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils. Understanding the cause helps us choose the most effective treatment approach.
What happens if you don’t fix a crossbite?
Untreated crossbites can lead to significant problems over time: uneven tooth wear that can cause chips and fractures, gum recession and periodontal disease, chronic jaw pain and TMJ disorders, difficulty chewing and digestive issues, and in children, permanent facial asymmetry as the jaw grows incorrectly.
At what age should a crossbite be corrected?
The earlier, the better! We recommend evaluation by age 7 when we can guide jaw growth and prevent more serious problems. Early orthodontic treatment (ages 7-10) is often faster and less complex, but teens and adults can achieve excellent results too.
How much does it cost to fix a crossbite in adults?
Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of your crossbite and chosen treatment method. Early treatment for children is often less expensive than comprehensive adult treatment. We offer flexible payment options, work with most insurance providers, and provide 0% interest financing. During your free consultation, we’ll give you a detailed cost breakdown and discuss all payment options to make treatment affordable.
Does fixing a crossbite change your face shape?
Correcting a crossbite can improve facial symmetry and profile, especially when treated early in children. Adults may notice subtle improvements in facial balance. The changes are typically positive – creating better harmony between your features and improving your smile’s appearance.
Can a crossbite get worse over time?
Yes, crossbites typically worsen without treatment. The uneven bite pressure can cause progressive tooth wear, gum problems, and jaw issues. In growing children, untreated crossbites can lead to permanent facial asymmetry. That’s why early intervention is so important.
How expensive is Invisalign?
Invisalign costs are comparable to traditional braces for crossbite treatment. The exact cost depends on your specific case complexity and treatment length. We offer the same flexible payment options for Invisalign as other treatments, and many insurance plans cover it just like traditional braces.
Is fixing a crossbite medically necessary?
While some crossbites are primarily cosmetic concerns, many are considered medically necessary due to the functional problems they cause. Crossbites that affect chewing, cause jaw pain, lead to tooth wear, or impact facial development are typically covered by insurance as medically necessary treatment.
How long does crossbite treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the severity and type of crossbite. Early treatment in children often takes 6-12 months, while comprehensive treatment for teens and adults typically takes 12-24 months.
Is crossbite treatment painful?
Modern orthodontic treatment is more comfortable than ever. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after getting braces or starting aligners, but most patients find it very manageable.
Will insurance cover crossbite treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment for crossbites, especially when it’s medically necessary. Our team will help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.
Can Invisalign really fix a crossbite?
Yes! Invisalign can effectively treat many types of crossbites, especially mild to moderate cases and single tooth crossbites. For more complex cases, Dr. Giardina might recommend Invisalign with special attachments, rubber bands, or other modifications to achieve the precise tooth movements needed. During your consultation, we’ll determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific crossbite.
What causes crossbites to develop?
Crossbites can develop from several factors: genetics (they often run in families), delayed loss of baby teeth, childhood habits like prolonged thumb sucking, abnormal jaw development, or chronic mouth breathing. The good news is that early detection and treatment can address most of these issues before they become more complex.
Can crossbites be fixed without braces?
In some cases, especially with growing children, we can use expanders or other appliances. However, most crossbites require some form of orthodontic treatment for complete correction.
What happens if a crossbite isn’t treated?
Untreated crossbites can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum problems, jaw pain, and in children, permanent facial asymmetry. Early treatment prevents these complications.
Making Crossbite Treatment Affordable
We believe every family in Harrisonburg deserves access to quality orthodontic care. That’s why we offer:
- Flexible payment plans with 0% interest
- Insurance-friendly billing – we work with most major plans
- Free consultations to discuss your options
- Family discounts for multiple children
- HSA/FSA accepted
- Complimentary retainer checkups for life – protecting your investment long-term
New Patient Perks:
✅ Free consultation and digital scan
✅ Same-day treatment available
✅ Lifetime retainer monitoring
✅ Flexible scheduling for busy families
Serving the Greater Harrisonburg Area
Families from across the Shenandoah Valley trust us for crossbite treatment:
- Harrisonburg
- Bridgewater
- Dayton
- Broadway
- Elkton
- Massanutten
- McGaheysville
- Mount Crawford
- Staunton
- Waynesboro
Our convenient location at 2505-A Evelyn Byrd Ave makes us easily accessible from anywhere in Rockingham County and beyond.
Schedule Your Free Crossbite Consultation Today
Don’t let a crossbite affect your child’s jaw development or cause you ongoing discomfort. Dr. Giardina and our expert team are here to help you achieve a healthy, properly aligned bite.
Call us today at (540) 433-8814 or book your free consultation online.
During your visit, we’ll:
- Examine your bite and jaw alignment
- Explain your treatment options
- Provide a personalized timeline and cost estimate
- Answer all your questions about crossbite correction
Giardina Orthodontics
2505-A Evelyn Byrd Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: (540) 433-8814
Office Hours:
- Monday: 8am – 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
- Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Ready to fix your crossbite? Your journey to a healthier bite starts right here in Harrisonburg – contact us at Giardina Orthodontics today!
